Our Story
We learned firsthand that tragedy doesn’t discriminate when our daughter, River, died at just two days old in September of 2018. Our world came crashing down around us as we found ourselves in the middle of every parent’s worst nightmare: instead of taking River home from the hospital to begin our lives together, we would be faced with the unthinkable task of planning her funeral.
River was a healthy, full-term baby who experienced a statistically rare and unexpected accident during childbirth. This was truly an example of a random accident that nothing could have prepared us for, but would change our lives forever. Throughout it all, we were blown away by the unanticipated support we received from the individuals in our own community. Grieving grandparents and friends stepped in to help plan the funeral. Bosses graciously gave us as much time off as we needed. Friends and neighbors continuously called and brought us food. Strangers came to our home just to sit with us and share their own stories of loss. Doctors made house calls. Friends and family flew in from all over the country to celebrate River’s life in a paddle-out ceremony (seen in the video on the homepage). We simply couldn’t have survived this time without all the support we received from our amazing community—and for this, we are eternally grateful.
Throughout our grieving process, we held tight to the belief that there was a sunrise already out there for us and that we would find it in our own time. Each friend, family and community member who walked with us through our darkness got us one step closer to our sunrise.
River brought with her a powerful message of love and kindness, and we feel that it’s our duty to continue to spread this message in her name. Though her time on earth was short, her impact will be everlasting and her spirit will live on through The River Ellis Foundation. Now it’s time to Give A Sunrise to others in our local community who need it most.
– The Ellis Family
ANCHOR STATEMENT
The River Ellis Foundation provides immediate support within 24 hours to individuals and families in Hampton Roads facing sudden, life-altering crises. When tragedy strikes and help can’t wait, we step in quickly to bridge the gap and bring hope in the darkest moments.
OUR MISSION
The River Ellis Foundation exists to provide immediate assistance to individuals and families in Hampton Roads facing unimaginable and unexpected hardship- offering hope, relief, and a sunrise in their darkest moments.
OUR VISION
A community where The River Ellis Foundation is a trusted household name- known for responding first, with compassion and speed, when life changes unexpectedly.
Our Mission
Sh*t happens to good people and hardship doesn’t discriminate. Individuals in our own community are faced with tragedies and unimaginable adversity every single day. We want to be there for those people: the ones who’ve found themselves in the middle of something they couldn’t have prepared for. Those who don’t quite fit into a box, but need some support to get through the adversity they’re facing. From the family who lost everything in a fire, to the dad raising his children alone after the sudden death of his spouse, to the teenager who will now spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair; we’re here to help.
Our mission is to give a sunrise to those who have unexpectedly found themselves in the middle of their darkest hour. Through fundraising events and donations, we provide a varied scope of financial assistance to those in the Hampton Roads community who have encountered an unexpected hardship and need assistance. There is no request too big or small; if we are able to help, we will. We review nomination forms on an ongoing basis and provide immediate support to those we are able to help. Our only request in return is that our recipients give a sunrise to someone else in the community someday in the future.